IC Design Lead - Oxford

Quantum is now, and it's built here.

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve.

Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to expect:

We’re looking for an experienced IC Design Lead to build our integrated electronics capability within the QPU design team. This is a key technical leadership role where you’ll help define our IC electronics roadmap and develop an in-house capability to design custom control ICs for our silicon ion-trap quantum processors.

You’ll be pioneering new capabilities within a rapidly growing department, working at the interface of quantum computing and advanced semiconductor design. Collaborating closely with our IC fabrication engineers and external foundries, you’ll develop a robust IC design and manufacturing flow. Together with our scientists and QPU design team, you’ll define an efficient, scalable system architecture that underpins the next generation of our quantum systems.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will play a leading role in developing the custom control ICs that power our quantum processors. Your focus will be on defining, designing, and delivering the electronics architecture that enables our silicon ion-trap QPUs to scale efficiently and reliably. This is a hands-on, system-level role that combines deep technical design with strategic roadmap ownership.

Responsibilities include:

• IC design and architecture: Define the architecture for scalable control systems to be integrated into the QPU silicon substrate. Perform circuit and system modelling to demonstrate feasibility and expected performance.
• Foundry and partner development: Identify, assess and engage with silicon foundries and external partners to establish a reliable fabrication pipeline within the QPU manufacturing flow.
• Design flow and tooling: Establish a complete silicon design flow, including EDA tools, PDKs and libraries, ensuring robust and efficient design processes.
• Prototyping and validation: Collaborate across teams to validate IC designs through simulation and testing, driving improvements in performance and integration.

• Capability building: Lead the creation of an in-house IC design capability, mentoring engineers and shaping the growth of the team.

Requirements

You will need extensive experience in IC design and system architecture, ideally within advanced or mixed signal environments. You will have the technical depth and leadership to establish new design capabilities and processes from the ground up. You should be comfortable taking ownership of complex projects, from defining architectures to implementing efficient design flows and development processes.

• A strong scientific background with proven expertise in circuit analysis and system level modelling using industry standard tools.
• Direct experience collaborating with silicon foundries, subcontractors, and EDA tool providers to deliver complex, high performance products.
• A practical, hands on approach with strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Beyond technical ability, you’ll thrive in a fast paced, evolving environment. Strong communication, collaboration and a growth mindset are essential, along with the adaptability and resilience needed to succeed in a scaling company.

Benefits

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.

Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.